100% this. I've been offered (and given) stock options at a couple of places now but never compromised on compensation. Stock options for a non-traded entity ar

100% this. I've been offered (and given) stock options at a couple of places now but never compromised on compensation. Stock options for a non-traded entity are worthless, regardless of what arbitrary finger-in-air valuation some investors have given you. On the off chance you do get to vest, and actually make some money, you're still very likely to not make up the loss during the years you took a compensatory hit, and would've been better off compensation wise with a more stable (in every sense) but possibly more dull company.